The Independent Order Brith Abraham today urged Secretary of Defense James V. Forrestal to investigate the commutation of Ilse Koch’s life sentence to four years and “to take all necessary steps to see that the last war criminals are properly punished.” The message was signed by Joseph R. Apfel grand mater of the order, on behalf of 400 lodges.

Rep. Arthur G. Klein called on Secretary of the Army Kenneth C. Royall either in overrule Gen. Lucius D. Clay’s order commuting Frau Koch’s sentence or to the another capital offense for which she might be re-indicted and sentenced.